A card from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration signifies your level of training in the OSHA Outreach Training Program. This voluntary program provides education on recognizing and avoiding workplace hazards, workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and the OSHA complaint process. Workers can obtain a 10-hour card, 30-hour card, or disaster site worker card after completing classes taught by OSHA-authorized trainers. OSHA rules typically require in-person training, although a few online training providers have been approved by OSHA.

1. Search the OSHA website for authorized training providers for 10-hour cards, 30-hour cards and disaster site worker cards. OSHA's site lists the only approved online training providers. It also provides a link to the OutreachTrainers website, which provides a free database of information for authorized trainers that can be searched by training type and location from the Quick Search drop-down menu on its home page.

2. Select the classes for the training card that meets your needs. The 10-hour card is designed for entry level workers, while the 30-hour card is for supervisors and workers with some level of safety responsibility. Disaster site cards are for workers specializing in mitigating hazards associated with responding to a disaster.

3. Complete the required classes for the training card. You must attend either 10 or 30 hours of class instruction depending on the type of card you need. You should receive your training card within 90 days of completing the classes. The card will be sent directly from your trainer, even if your employer paid for the classes.

Tip

OSHA also issues cards for trainers that are available in four subject areas: construction, general industry, maritime and disaster site. To obtain a trainer's card, you must complete a certificate program from an approved OSHA Training Institute Education Center. OSHA's website provides a list of centers located in 10 regions around the country.

Warning

Always verify that your trainer is authorized by OSHA. If you suspect fraudulent or abusive activity associated with OSHA training cards, you can make a confidential report to OSHA by email at outreach@dol.gov or by calling (847) 297-4810.

About the Author

Joe Stone is a freelance writer in California who has been writing professionally since 2005. His articles have been published on LIVESTRONG.COM, SFgate.com and Chron.com. He also has experience in background investigations and spent almost two decades in legal practice. Stone received his law degree from Southwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from California State University, Los Angeles.